Self-guided trip: Starts any day year-round in 2018
6 nights/7 days
Daily mileage: From 38 km (24 miles) to 89 km (55 miles, optional ride)
Tour departs from and ends in Girona. Need info on getting to Girona? Visit our blogGirona is serviced by train from Barcelona and by air from all major European airports
Accomodation in 3-, and 4-star properties and luxury farmhousesLevel: 3 (Moderate)
From 925 euros per person sharing a double roomA minimum of 2 riders is required for this tour

Catalonia Bike and Beach — 6 nights/7 days

Costa Brava translates literally to "Wild Coast", which is exactly what you can expect from Catalonia's extraordinary rugged coastline. From traversing pristine sandy beaches to exploring small rocky coves, traveling over mountains, across plains, and through forests, this week you’ll discover the diverse terrain that Catalonia has to offer. Never farther than 40 km (25 miles) from the coast, this region provides the luxury of a dry and warm-to-hot climate where you can cycle year-round.

Catalonia is filled with natural parks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, medieval villages, monasteries, castles, and scenery that have inspired some of the most talented artists and patrons throughout history. Catalonia’s most notable (relatively) recent admirers include Salvador Dalí, the surrealist painter whose house in Cadaques is open to visitors, Ferran Adrià, the acclaimed chef who opened the world-famous El Bulli, and several outstanding pro-cyclists, who have used this area as their training playground.

With history, art, natural wonders, and beaches, this trip has something for everyone! Once you see it for yourself, you’ll understand why the area is so captivating. Even if you do decide to return home after our week-long trip, be assured you’ll want to take as much of it with you as possible!

Located in Spain’s northeast corner, just an hour north of Barcelona and about 30 km (19 miles) from the coast, Girona is easily accessible by train, plane or car. Besides its accessibility, Girona makes an ideal city to start your tour because it typifies the regional diversity like no other city. Walking along the Roman ramparts, exploring the narrow cobblestone streets of the old Jewish Quarter, shopping the modern stores of the commercial streets, and marvelling at 12th century Moorish architecture, you’ll get a feel for mixed heritage that has influenced Catalonia throughout the ages. Your hotel is conveniently located in the incredibly well preserved downtown, near all major attractions including the Arab Baths, the Rambla de la Llibertat and the Cathedral.

Head southwest out of Girona to start your journey to the Mediterranean. The beginning of today’s route takes you over the Las Gavarres Mountains via the Els Angels pass, site of the mountain top monastery where Dalí was married. As you can see from the elevation profile below, it never gets very steep — it can be managed slowly and steadily at a low gear. Your efforts will be rewarded ten-fold with a beautiful panorama at the top and a smattering of pretty villages as you coast toward the sea. After rolling down the mountains, you make your way through many medieval villages, like Ullastret and Palau Sator. The route then winds through Empordà, finishing in the exclusive fishing village of Calella de Palafugell. Here, you can relax and enjoy a stroll between the Mediterranean Sea and the whitewashed houses of fishermen.

After enjoying breakfast, you will begin a ride that takes you north before cutting inland through one of the most unique settings in Europe. Ride through landscapes littered with ancient stone houses and castles, one of which was bought by Dalí for his beloved wife Gala. It is now a museum in the tiny village of Púbol. You will also ride through the small town of Torrent, home to one of the sweetest museums, Museu de la Confitura (Jam Museum), where you can learn about the spread’s rich history and taste some of the local recipes. After Torrent, you will continue along secluded roads through fields, groves, orchards, and many other charming Catalonian villages until you reach Bordils. Here you will stay in a cosy family-run farmhouse just a few kilometres from the Dalí-Gala castle museum and enjoy a properly home-cooked Catalan meal.

On today’s ride you will travel north through Empordà and cross into the northern part of the county, called Alt Empordà, a region famous for its wine production. Along the way you’ll pass through several quaint villages like Sant Jordi Desvalls, Colomers, and Camallera. You will cross El Fluviá River into the town of Sant Miquel de Fluviá, which is dominated by an 11th century tower. After crossing the Empordà plain you will reach your beachside destination. From here you are in a perfect location to check out the archaeological site of Empúries, explore the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà natural park, or just relax on the beach. From here you'll ride into Sant Pere Pescador, a scenic coastal town with a large beach.

With so many options available today, you’ll fully realize the benefits of self-guided tours: you have the means to enjoy your vacation on YOUR terms! You’re at leisure to explore the incredible archaeological site of Empúries, where a major excavation project began in the early 20th century. The discoveries continue to this day, with regular finds dating back to the ancient Grecian times (circa 575 BC!). Or if you feel like hitting the road, you can ride our provided loop from Sant Marti d'Empuries (via Port de la Selva), which we will provide.

As you leave the coast, you’ll cycle north and start your hilly (and incredibly scenic!) route through Spain’s northeast peninsula, nearly reaching the French border. You will pass Castello d’Empuries, Pau and the Monestir de Sant
Pere de Rode as you cycle around the Cap de Creus national park. On your journey you’ll be able to view
the Pyrenees mountain landscape and rocky coves leading into the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean, so be sure to bring your camera!

Another option is to take a bus to Cadaques to visit Salvador Dali´s home (the journey lasts approx. 1 hour; two buses leaving in the morning in July & August
any day of the week; only one bus departing at 7:20pm the rest of the year Monday to Friday). As always,
if you want just spend the day relaxing at the spa, enjoy a walk on the promenade, or park yourself in the
sun at one of the many restaurant terraces, you are free to do so. We understand if you prefer to spend a
lazy afternoon lying on the beach!

Say goodbye to the Mediterranean and head inland to Figueres. The beginning of the route mimics the optional loop from Sant Pere, so you will pass through Pau again (if you chose to do the loop). You will ride through many idyllic small towns like Garriguella, Vilamaniscle, Rabos and Espolla. Most of your ride takes place in the Spanish Denominación de Origen of Empordà (a destination of origin used to identify specific regions where wine is grown), and we recommend that you stop at the Estate Terra Remota (www.terraremota.com) for a visit and wine tasting.

Once you reach Espolla at the foot of the Great Pyrenees, the rest of your journey is downhill! You’ll have to work your breaks as you coast down to Figueres. This historic town is the birthplace of the king of surrealism, the one and only Salvador Dalí. The Dalí Theatre-Museum, designed by Dalí himself, is a must-see for art lovers. Although it is centuries older, the quirky personality of Figueres mirrors that of its most imaginative resident.

Make the long journey south to return to the regional capital of Girona. Today’s route will be just as stunning as the rest of your trip. It will lead you through the rolling hills, vineyards, and numerous quintessentially Catalan towns. Throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a tasting of local flavours and marvel at the splendid mountain vistas. Your tour concludes in the medieval old town of Girona, a fitting end to your tour of Catalonia.

Day 7: Departure

After breakfast, depart Girona at the time of your choice.

Booking & Pricing

From 925 euros per person sharing a double room

925 euros from January through April and October through December. Single supplement is 280
euros

1,030 euros in May, June and September. Single supplement is 290 euros